Join us for 'THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT' - a fascinating 3 day series of talks to be held online.

Tuesday 11th March 2025

William Hogarth - A terrier snapping at the heels of the Great with speaker Rosalind Whyte

William Hogarth, has been described as ‘The Father of British Art’. He was closely involved with the social and political issues of his times, as is reflected in his work and the sometimes scathing and satirical nature of his responses to current issues. This day will look at the life, times and work of William Hogarth also his relationships with some of the important personalities of the time.

• Introducing Mr Hogarth
• Hogarth's London
• Hogarth's Progress

Thursday 3rd April 2025

Mozart's operas in their Enlightenment context with speaker Sandy Burnett

How did the ideals of the Enlightenment change the role of music in society? Who was it written for? How did composers make a living? How were they treated? How did the conditions of the time permit them to create such outstanding music? This day will focus on musical life in late eighteenth century London as well as court life in Austria. It will explore the string quartet and symphony of the Classical era. Finally, it will consider how classical music was put on stage by Lorenzo de Ponte and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

• The Role of Music in the Enlightenment
• The String Quartet and Symphony of the Classical Era
• Classical Music on Stage - da Ponte and Mozart

Wednesday 21st May 2025

Gainsborough and Brown - art as nature or nature as art - with speaker Caroline Holmes

This day will explore the eclectic mix of profitable, artistic and moral landscapes in 18th century England. Brown, the ‘earthmover’, transformed estates; Gainsborough, was the originator of the English landscape painting school. Both were country boys who enjoyed the patronage of great houses. The life and work of both Brown and Gainsborough will be considered in the context of Georgian culture and patronage.

• The Life and Works of Thomas Gainsborough
• The genesis of Lancelot"Capability" Brown
• Georgian Culture and Patronage

The programme for each day is:

10:30 - 1st lecture

11:30 - 12:00 - Coffee break

12:00 - 13:00 - 2nd lecture

13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 - 3rd lecture

Fee: £55 (a saving of £5 on the fee of £60)

If any queries, please email Caroline on wessexconnectedevents@gmail.com